By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt says her ministry is at an advanced stage of completing the E-Tourism Finance Policy.
Speaking at the government weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Freetown, she mentioned the review of the Tourism Development Act 1990, the National Tourism Policy, Ecotourism Development Plan, the Tourism Master Plan, and Tourism Wildlife Policy as other documents that are in the process of completion.
As part of the success gained, the minister stated that they have improved the International image of Sierra Leone and diversified marketing in the country. She said they have actively participated in key targeted international markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Scandinavian countries, the USA, Russia, and the West African Sub-regions with different activities which include trade fairs and exhibitions andpromotions in internationally renowned TV channels.
‘’We have facilitated and fast-tracked the introduction of Visa on Arrival ratified by the government to help the tourism industry. We have also produced tourism promotional materials, attained international recognition with active participation globally, attracted a host of international tourists, and organized workshop training on marketing and rebranding,’’ she said.
She said they have promoted competition in the sector to reduce costs and improve value for money. She added that they have collaborated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Departments on introducing Visa on Arrival regulation and also with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) to review Environmental Societal Health Impact Assessment Charges (ESHIA) for tourism and hospitality industry operators.
Pratt noted that they have rehabilitated and developed historical and cultural sites through a holistic rehabilitation plan and conducted heritage and engineering assessments on a few action plans laid for comprehensive restoration, protection, and conservation of those sites.
‘’We have restored the historic Bonthe Clock Tower, ongoing rehabilitation of the old Fourah Bay College and proclaimed St. Charles and Maroon Church as National Monuments,’’ Pratt said.
She noted that they have promoted Eco-tourism to ensure the protection of the country’s rich biodiversity and worked with line agencies and departments to declare places as tourism development areas. She said they have planned to beautify the Mortomeh mud slide area and the Western Area Peninsula and provide them with facilities.
Pratt stated that they have supported entrepreneurs to promote tourism-based activities that link with the rural economy, harvest seasons, wildlife, farming practices, art and culture. She added that they have organized training on tourism entrepreneurship and resilience to climate change, and alternative livelihood for women in coastal risk areas including Sulima, Kent, Bureh, River No.2 and Banana Island.
She said they have also established public-private partnerships and promoted private sector involvement and have partnered with local private and international entities for the conservation of the nation’s heritage assets for tourism investments.
She also mentioned about having promoted Safari and Jungle adventure tours and mountain trekking. She pointed out that President Julius Maada Bio’s visit to Kenya attracted interest from the host government to support Sierra Leone in establishing a wildlife safari watching sanctuary.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (27/06/22)
